Benevento

An ancient inland city with remarkable Roman ruins including one of Italy's best-preserved triumphal arches. Benevento blends Samnite, Roman, and medieval heritage in a largely tourist-free setting.

Things to do

• See the Arch of Trajan — Visit at golden hour when the marble reliefs glow beautifully in warm light.
• Explore the Roman Theatre — One of the best-preserved Roman theaters in southern Italy, still used for summer events.
• Visit Museo del Sannio — Discover artifacts from the ancient Samnite civilization that predated Roman rule.
• Walk the historic center — Stroll the old quarter for Egyptian obelisk fragments and medieval churches.
• Taste Strega liqueur at Distilleria Strega — Join a free tour of the famous local distillery and sample the iconic yellow liqueur.

Food to try

• Strega Liqueur — A distinctive herbal liqueur made with 70 botanicals, invented and produced in Benevento.
• Torrone di Benevento — Soft or hard nougat with almonds and honey, a specialty deeply tied to the city's traditions.
• Tagliatelle al Cinghiale — Egg pasta served with a rich wild boar ragu, common in the Sannio hills.
• Caciocavallo Podolico — Aged stretched-curd cheese from local Podolica cows with a nutty, complex flavor.

Local customs & good to know

• Off the tourist trail — Benevento is rarely crowded, so locals appreciate genuine curiosity about their heritage.
• Witch folklore is celebrated — The city embraces its legend of the Streghe di Benevento witches — ask locals about it.
• Museums close Mondays — Most civic museums are shut on Mondays, so plan visits for Tuesday through Sunday.